We have all come to enjoy and rely upon the Internet to learn, work and play. But the same qualities that make the online world so enriching can also make us more vulnerable to criminal hackers who seek to do harm.

Just as you take precauions to keep your home safe from burglars, there are steps you can take to help protect you personal computer (PC) and yourself from cyber criminals.

Here are three steps you can take to make your computer more secure:

1. Use an Internet firewall

2. Get computer updates

3. Use up-to-date anti-virus software

Use an Internet firewall


A firewall is software that helps create a protective barrier between your computer and potentially harmful attacks. Many businesses have firewalls built into their networks, but home users should install firewall software if it was not included in the software package that came with their PC.

Even with the protection of a firewall, it's smart to back up your files on a regular basis to protect them in case your system does get damaged. Copy your important documents and files onto a floppy disk or a CD for safekeeping.

Get computer updates

No matter what software you use, you need to make sure your computer is protected by installing the latest security updates. Security updates help shield your computer from viruses, worms and other threats as they are discovered.

Check your software maker's Web site for new security updates or use the automated updating features that some companies offer.

Use anti-virus software.

Viruses, worms and other forms of malicious code pose a real threat to your computer, so you need to help defend it by using anti-virus software.

New viruses and worms are emerging all the time, so anti-virus programs need regular updates so they can recognize the new threats.

The more often your anti-virus software is updated the better. Sign up for regular updates from your anti-virus software company.

Other online safety tips.

Following are a few other general tips to help avoid online threats such as spam, spyware, identity theft and inappropriate content.

Protect your information by using a hard to guess password that is at least eight characters long and contains a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols.

Reduce spam by only giving out your e-mail address to people you know and by never replying to spam - not even to unsubscribe.

Be careful about opening attachments to e-mails as they are one of the main ways viruses are spread from computer to computer.

Be wary of any e-mail asking for personal information; for example, check to make sure a charity is legitimate before responding to an e-mail solicitation for donations.

If you have kids that use your computer, consider using parental control software that helps you choose what they see on the Internet.

To help prevent spyware from being installed on your computer, read the installation agreements carefully when you download from the Internet. If you find you already have it on your system, there are anti-spyware tools available to remove it.